Final step in simplifying our planning application process
Over the last few months, we’ve been updating our processes around planning applications.
As of last November, more decisions on planning applications are able to be made outside of committees, which should make the decision-making process faster and more streamlined.
Going forward, there will also be fewer planning committees to make the process even more simple.
What does this mean?
Instead of three committees, going forward there will just be two:
- A Strategic Planning Committee, focusing on major planning applications
- A District-Wide Planning Committee, focusing on minor and other (household) applications
Applications will only be decided at one of these committees if they’re a big departure from the Kirklees Local Plan, if public opinion is strongly against the planning officer’s recommendation, or if the planning application has been referred by a ward councillor. Each committee will meet in Huddersfield Town Hall once every six weeks.
Why are these changes being made?
The changes will make our decision-making process more efficient, and will save the council about £100k every year.
In the long term, we also hope these changes will encourage more developers to consider sites within Kirklees for development – whilst still making sure local communities play a big part in the planning process.
Our strategy with these changes will support the update to the Local Plan, which was approved by Full Council in November last year.